Me in Melange

Indigenous just arrived!

 

It's here! But for a limited time and in limited quatities... so shop fast before they all get snatched up!Coupon code: indig09 will get you 15% off all indigenous pieces.  Now what a sweet start to spring is that?!  Happy shopping!  signed, me {CA}

Hard Tail Fit and Alteration Guide

We hope this makes buying the perfect pair of Hard Tails just a bit easier!  signed, me {CA}

uncommonly gorgeous

If I didn't already have my Christmas gifts in motion for my family, I would totally send the 'Moms' one of these beautiful recycled glass tree globes by Stephen Kitras from Uncommon Goods....

   

(I'll have to keep it in mind for mother's day instead!)  Uncommon Goods has lots of cute gifty things, came across the catalog at my Mother-in-law's house.  I especially like the very colorful kid's section.  signed, me {CA}   

Although it's always empty...

I do love a nice wallet.  I finally came to grips with the fact that my Mom is not going to let me have her Isabella Fiore Strawberry wallet circa 2003...

 

she's been carrying that thing for 5 years now and it still looks brand-spankin' new and cute as ever.  But alas, even though I made one last plea for her to pass it on to me, she's too attached to let it go.  Who could blame her... it's adorable.  So I started the search for a cute new wallet of my own to put on my Christmas list and here it is....

 

 Via, anthropologie....  a lovely look-a-like, same idea with the stitched applique leather and the design and colors are even a little bit more 'me'.  love it.  signed, me {CA}

Back2school coupon!

Did you all happen to spot the "back2school" email that went out?  That was cutie Cara in the picture, on her first bus ride to school (thanks Ms Q for being so technologically savvy and getting her the picture from afar).   It is fun having kids because you get a little bit of the back to school excitement, without actually having to go through what was sometimes a traumatizing experience of "going back to school."   I remember going school shopping with my mom and it was a huge deal to pick out my new shoes (I always wanted the impractical pair with slippery soles and my mom was always afraid I would slip and break my neck), and then pick out new clothes (usually clothes you would swelter in because they were for colder weather and it was still blazing hot--if only for that first week of school).  I planned and agonized over what to wear the very first day....the build-up over the last few days of summer was Mt. Everest high.   Wow, those were the days....

Back to school gets the nesting instinct going inside me.....the moment that it is time for school, I feel like a squirrel who needs to get organized for the winter (where are my nuts, quick, get me some nuts).  I get the kids squared away, stock up on food (hello Costco), and of COURSE get my wardrobe fall-cutified.....this is where the "back2school" coupon comes in handy.  15% off your purchase (expires midnight on Labor Day).  Time to buy yourself something for back to school!!   Signed, ME (lv)

Why couldn't...

Portland and Eugene just be a bit closer in distance? seriously.  Then I would be able to pop over and check out the store opening Ink & Peat! (which was today, congratulations Pam!)  LV... I'm sending you on another shopping mission, so that I can live vicariously.  signed, me {CA}

 

Creative ideas fizzing?

If you are a creative person...or a person who has ideas galore, but no follow through, I think this Action Pad is the perfect solution!  I'm a serial list maker, so I'm always on the hunt for cool paper products to make the list-making more fun!  The Action Method is an entire "method" on how to get your creative ideas into action!  This looks super interesting...will order and let you know!   Signed, ME {lv} http://www.creativesoutfitter.com/Products/Action-Book/4 

If I were...

in Portland this weekend, I would totally go to the Modern Economy sale taking place at the Ace Hotel.  Found this via, Oh Joy!  It looks very cool... Modern Economy is an exclusive home & lifestyle sales event for design enthusiasts and shopaholics alike. At the sales, you'll find modern, independent designers' samples and overstock. Best of all, prices are up to 70% off retail--it truly makes buying modern more affordable! Not to mention, that it's at the very chic Ace Hotel.  LV you better go check it out!  signed, me {CA}

My best electronic purchase!

Two weeks ago we FINALLY bought a docking station/speakers for our IPOD (and my "our", I mean my husband's because I don't think I've ever put a song on it myself).  The speakers are in the kitchen so when I'm making my morning coffee I can put a on a little Jack Johnson (what I'm listening to right now).  The stereo system is close, but for some reason I hardly ever put music on....now I do constantly because it is literally right in my face (put it right above my calendar on the desk/bar area).   The only problem is that I often do "shuffle" and then I'm forced to listen to some wacky stuff my husband has decided to download....do straight men actually listen to Julio Iglesias or should I be worried?? :-)  Signed, ME {lv}

Buyer beware.

A couple of nights ago we had a friend of my husband over and his girlfriend....she works at a very high end hotel (there are many of "said" hotels, but she worked at one in New Orleans).  Anyway she deals with buying goods for the spa.  Turns out they sell things things at ridiculous mark-ups.  Now...I'm the first to admit, everything is marked up, but there are industry standards and then there are crazy over the top things like marking up $40 sheets to $200 plus dollars.  Marking a $.50 item to $8.00 is in the realm of crazy too.  Crazy good for the retailer :-), crazy unfair to the consumer.   Note to self, just because it is in the 5 star hotel, don't assume it ACTUALLY costs 5 stars--it might have cost 2 stars and they are charging you 5 star prices!!  Signed, ME {lv}

ps  DON'T WORRY, WE NEVER DO THAT AT MELANGE!!!! :-)